Autonomous Aerodynamic Floating Flap to Reduce Vibrations

Prof. Moti Karpel and the researchers Lars Bernhammer and Prof. Roeland de Breuker of the Technical University of Delft developed an aerodynamic floating flap to be used to reduce vibrations of flight vehicles and wind turbines by driving a small tab at its trailing edge.  The special feature of this flap, on which a patent was issued, is in its totally autonomous nature, including all the sensing, control and actuation components activated by energy harvested from natural vibrations of the aeroelastic system.  See the flyer issued by TUDelft to promote the patent.